Developing a mindset as vital as physical fitness

Sports Champ recently organised a workshop titled Psychology in Sports, conducted by Dr Swaroop Savanur, a Mental Conditioning and Peak Performance Coach. Dr Savanur, a senior sports psychology consultant and founder of MyMental Coach, covered various aspects during the session. Here are some key highlights from the workshop:

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In sports, the consequences of distraction or poor focus are immediate and visible. If you're playing cricket and your mind wanders, you might play a poor shot and get out. In tennis, a lapse in concentration could lead to missed opportunities or a lost point. The feedback in sports is instant-there's no room to escape. A wrong decision leads to failure at that very moment.

You'll feel the impact immediately, whether it's your coach pointing out your mistakes or the sting of a loss.

That's what makes sports so fascinating. Athletes get instant feedback on their thoughts, emotions, and actions. In studies, you might realise later, "I could have done better," but in sports, the repercussions of a lapse are immediate and often unforgiving.

This is why psychology is so crucial in sports. Mistakes in sports bring painful lessons through defeats, but they also offer immense satisfaction in victories. The joy of winning and the pain of losing are much more intense in sports compared to most other activities. And while the immediacy of feedback in sports makes it more challenging, it also makes it incredibly rewarding and captivating.

Developing a mindset isn't optional anymore; it's as essential as physical fitness. Just as you need regular exercise to strengthen your body, you need consistent mental training to strengthen your mind.